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How Do Raise Low Ferritin Without Raising Iron?
Question: How do I raise my low ferritin without raising my other iron. I have severe hair loss with this and I also have macrocytic anemia. This has been going on for two years but only recently diagnosed with the anemia.
Brief Answer:
Low ferritin raise is possible if cause is treated
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for consulting HealthCareMagic!
Main reason for low ferritin is menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal bleeding(due to haemorrhoids, peptic ulcer etc). I suggest you to get confirmation of diagnosis which is characterized by Decreased serum ferritin and iron with increased transferrin. And also undergo therapeutic trial of iron, gastrointestinal tract evaluation for blood loss with your treating physician. Finding the appropriate reason for iron deficiency anemia and managing it appropriately would raise your low ferritin levels.
However, as you also have macrocytic anemia which is not a characteristic of iron deficiency anemia, other causes like includes folate deficiency, liver disease, hypothyroidism should be ruled out.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. If you are satisfied please proceed with closing and rating this answer.
Wish you a good health!
Low ferritin raise is possible if cause is treated
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for consulting HealthCareMagic!
Main reason for low ferritin is menstrual irregularities, gastrointestinal bleeding(due to haemorrhoids, peptic ulcer etc). I suggest you to get confirmation of diagnosis which is characterized by Decreased serum ferritin and iron with increased transferrin. And also undergo therapeutic trial of iron, gastrointestinal tract evaluation for blood loss with your treating physician. Finding the appropriate reason for iron deficiency anemia and managing it appropriately would raise your low ferritin levels.
However, as you also have macrocytic anemia which is not a characteristic of iron deficiency anemia, other causes like includes folate deficiency, liver disease, hypothyroidism should be ruled out.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. If you are satisfied please proceed with closing and rating this answer.
Wish you a good health!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I had a hysterectomy 3 months ago but my cycles were not bad before. Thyroid has been checked and fine. I do follow a low carb/no sugar diet. I've been doing this for about 2 years now. I'm also having severe hair loss that is diffuse all over the scalp.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up!
Firstly, I want to let you know that low ferritin or iron deficiency is not one of the major cause of hair loss. It rather very very rarely causes it. However, the major causes include heredity, certain medications like steroids, anticancer drugs etc.
Your low ferritin may also be due to blood loss because of recent major surgery. And if by chance your hair loss is due to iron deficiency, you should consider yourself lucky as it can be easily treated as I mentioned in my previous answer. I am happy that you thyroid is fine since hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss sometimes.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. If you are satisfied please proceed with closing and rating this answer.
Wish you a good health!
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up!
Firstly, I want to let you know that low ferritin or iron deficiency is not one of the major cause of hair loss. It rather very very rarely causes it. However, the major causes include heredity, certain medications like steroids, anticancer drugs etc.
Your low ferritin may also be due to blood loss because of recent major surgery. And if by chance your hair loss is due to iron deficiency, you should consider yourself lucky as it can be easily treated as I mentioned in my previous answer. I am happy that you thyroid is fine since hypothyroidism can also cause hair loss sometimes.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. If you are satisfied please proceed with closing and rating this answer.
Wish you a good health!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My ferritin was low before surgery and I also had macrocytic anemia prior to surgery. I do take dexamethasone. I have no family history of hair loss, men or women.
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Good that you do not have family history of hair loss but hereditary causes for hair loss does not necessarily need to have significant immediate family history.
As suggested, get confirmation of diagnosis causing low ferritin. Take follow up advise with your treating physician about the side effects of dexamethasone.
Wish you a good health!
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
Good that you do not have family history of hair loss but hereditary causes for hair loss does not necessarily need to have significant immediate family history.
As suggested, get confirmation of diagnosis causing low ferritin. Take follow up advise with your treating physician about the side effects of dexamethasone.
Wish you a good health!
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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